This concept as been more on my mind lately as I continue to evolve and become more of the butterfly that has been hibernating in the caterpillar.  It also relates to dancing on the T.  In Boston, we are very conservative in our approach to shining brightly.  Generally speaking people do not speak to each other in public unless they know each other.  In certain areas of the city you will see people wildly being themselves but for the most part puritanism still exists here in Beantown.  People are closed down due to anger, fear, insecurity, what have you.  I once  saw a guy dancing on the T seemingly creating choreography.  He was in his own world (I believe that was also due to a bit of inebriation::) and it was hysterical.  The funniest part of the scene was other people’s reactions to him.  People here do not generally appreciate people standing out too much.  You are to melt into the crusty layer of bitterness that exists.  Now don’t get me wrong, Boston is my hometown.  I love it and always will.  But we could use a bit of  LEVITY PEOPLE!  In general, when we play small we allow others who are struggling with their insecurities to not feel encroached upon.  At the SAME TIME though we also allow those who deserve to shine to continue to play small because they don’t have any role models to show them a different way.  What I have found over time in sharing my path with others is that wherever I am teaching yoga there are young social workers wanting to learn more about how I got to where I am and where I am going.  My cessation of playing small seems to be allowing the Universe to place people in my life who need to know that there is a way that they can shine too.  As things unfold I am finding that I meet people in the oddest of places that need to hear the message that they too can transform, shine bright and be happy. What this is showing me is that my transformation has never been just about me.  It has been about everyone.

When we choose the spiritual path of authenticity it leads towards transformation; not just you but everyone around you.  Your becoming happier enriches you relationships with others and allows them to step up and become happier as well.  The trick is that you can not have the intention of controlling the outcome.  I never had the idea that me stepping outside of traditional social work and creating my own thing would inspire others to do the same.  But as my business venture takes more of a clear shape and form, I am finding that my passion is shining brighter and brighter and the light is attracting caterpillars wanting to fly. So for today, what steps can you take towards becoming the butterfly?  Are there people in your life that are inspiring your wings to spread?  How might you begin to be that power of example for others?  It’s in the small, simple steps we take on a day to day basis that begin to head us down a different path.  Sometimes for me it’s dancing in public.  Other times it’s standing up for what I believe in.  Most times these days, it’s comforting myself with the affirmation that as long as I can Be the Light, I can See the Light.

Best wishes along the path…..and I challenge you to Shake your Jelly and
Shine Bright!